What to Do If You Have Suffered a Burn Due to the Carelessness of Another

Burns in the workplace are a significant socioeconomic threat to people, their families, and entire communities. Although workplace safety has been bolstered burns in the workplace continue to make a substantial portion of all burns.

According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a medical journal published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, employment-related burns are the primary cause of occupational injury in America. The report asserts that a great portion of affected workers are young adolescents, who work in fast-food establishments. Regrettably, work-related burns are not exclusive to the food industry and this is because burns are not explicitly caused by open flame sources.

In order to understand workplace burn-related injuries, it is important to understand that there are different types of burn injuries.

The three main types of injuries include:

Thermal Burns – These burns occur from open flames or other forms of direct heat sources. Examples of a direct heat source include a hot motor, a hot stove, hot liquids, industrial machinery, and steam.

Electrical Burns – Electrical burns occur from electrical currents. Examples of electrical burns include, but are not limited to arcs or sparks.

Chemical Burns – Chemical burns occur from corrosive and/or caustic workplace material. Examples of workplace materials that could cause chemical burns include, but are not limited to solvents and other cleaners.

Burns are one of the most common workplace dangers. Employees who have suffered burn injuries should seek immediate medical care. If you or someone you know has just suffered a work-related burn injury, it is important to contact emergency medical attention immediately. Further, it is also important to let any workplace supervisor know of the injury. The following article information will highlight other important methods of assistance for each of the three main types of burn injuries.

Thermal Burn Injuries

In the event of an open flame injury in which a worker’s clothes have caught fire, immediately attempt to extinguish the flames.

Some of the known most productive methods of assistance involve: Initiating the stop, drop, and roll method, Extinguishing the flames using a fire extinguisher, or extinguishing the flames using a blanket to smother the open flames.

It is important to understand that the victim’s should be assisted so as long as doing so does not cause harm to the person assisting. While assisting a victim is not necessarily the responsibility of another, thus, assisting is optional, the failure to assist can make a bystander liable for the severe injury or death of a victim. Every state will have its own rules and laws regarding helping people who are in danger. In the State of California, these are generally referred to as Good Samaritan Laws. If you would like to know about the laws concerning this in your region, speak to an experienced and qualified attorney.

Electrical Burn Injuries

If you or someone you know has suffered an electrical burn injury, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Electrical burn injuries will typically appear minor, as they often do not show up on the surface of the victim’s skin. Electrical burns will typically cause damage to a person through internal injuries. Further, victims who suffer electrical burn injuries are also more likely to suffer devastating falls, as the jolt from the electricity can be strong enough to cause the victim to fall.

Electrical burn injuries can be highly dangerous. If it is possible, be sure to shut off the source of electricity or power. Electrical burn injury victims may also require cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly referred to as CPR.

Chemical Burn Injuries

Once emergency medical services have been contacted, attempt to bandage the chemical burns on the victim’s skin. In some cases, and if possible, remove the victim’s clothing and/or jewelry. Chemical burn victims will likely suffer severe swelling and even the possibility of irritated or disfigured skin.

Workplace Burn Injuries – Quick Facts

Burn wounds are very serious and can affect a worker physically, emotionally, and financially. Although many employers are compliant in enforcing workplace safety, there are a number of reasons why a workplace burn injury may still occur. The following facts showcase the vulnerability of workers who continue to be exposed to traumatic burn injuries:

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, work-related explosions and fires account for over 5,000 injuries every year.

Another study observed that approximately 40% of all burn-related deaths happened because of a workplace explosion or fire.

The same study concluded that 20% of all other cases of thermal burns were caused when the victim was at work.

The National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries states that 617 of all work-related fatalities reported in the U.S. in 2007 were burn or fire related.

According to a study reported in Injuries at Work in the US Adult Population, published by the American Journal of Public Health, 42% of all workplace injuries were burns.

After a Work-Related Burn Injury, Seek the Legal Support You Deserve

Any workplace injury can have devastating consequences but few are as long-lasting as injuries caused by burns. If you were burned while at work, you should know that there are California state laws that protect your rights to compensation. It is important, however, to seek the legal advice of a professional attorney who has experience in work-related burns and injuries. A skilled burn victim attorney will investigate your case and help you build a strong case that will get you the settlement you deserve. After you have sustained a work-related burn, act swiftly and seek the legal support of a qualified attorney.

Attorney Justin H. King is a dedicated personal injury attorney who has helped many victims seek compensation for the injuries they sustained while at work. If you have suffered a workplace burn-related injury due to the negligence of an employer, seek the advice and support of a qualified personal injury attorney. Contact the Law Office of Attorney Justin H. King today for a free case evaluation.

Categories : Personal Injury Misc., Premise Liability, Products Liability

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By Justin H. King, Esq. | Posted on October 12, 2018

Melinda Jordan

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